Liberal Democratic Party president Oli Ahmad on Saturday alleged that the Indian government was directly and indirectly responsible for the damage of democracy and the establishment of dictatorship in Bangladesh.
The press conference was held following a liaison committee meeting with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
‘It is our hope that the government of India will refrain from associating itself with any particular person or party, and will focus on establishing friendship between the people of India and the people of Bangladesh. Let us complement each other and live as good neighbours,’ he said.
The government of India should not act hostile towards the people of Bangladesh, he said, adding that the 18 crores people of Bangladesh wanted to be good neighbours.
‘The present government [Bangladesh] has allowed you to use the sea ports, land ports and various roads of our country. A number of unbalanced agreements have also been signed. As a result of which Bangladesh is suffering,’ he said.
The LDP is in the simultaneous movement against the government led by the BNP and for the first time BNP leaders were present at any press conference of the LDP.
BNP vice chairman Mohammad Shahjahan was sitting next to Oli Ahmad, while BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan was also supposed to be there, but he reportedly did not attend as his wife was ill.
Oli said that the LDP would announce the new programme under the leadership of the BNP as soon as possible.
‘We have been protesting against the current government in a movement led by the BNP for a long time. As soon as possible we will announce the new programme under the leadership of BNP,’ he said, adding that new possibilities would open in the country.
Responding to a question about various parties’ reluctance regarding co-opting the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the simultaneous movement, he said eloquently, ‘It is cow which is needed to plough the field; even if it is a weak cow, you need it. One cannot plough the field with a goat.’
‘We have seen the last 10–20 years. Everyone knows what we have achieved. Now you understand what is needed, I also understand. We have 62 parties here. How many of these parties have the strength to march down the street?’ he said, adding that there were some parties which stand in names only.
When asked why the movement to bring down the government was not successful, Oli said, ‘BNP secretary general can answer why we did not succeed. I don’t have an answer for that because I’m a small party’s leader devoid of any shields and swords.’
When asked whether he gave any advice to the BNP, Oli Ahmad said, ‘The advice to the BNP was given in the meeting. It will not be possible to say in front of everyone.’
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